Pharmaceutical formulations of fcrn inhibitors suitable for subcutaneous administration

ABSTRACT

Provided are various aqueous formulations of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist ARGX-113, including formulations useful as pharmaceutical compositions, methods for their preparation, devices comprising the various formulations, and uses thereof. In certain embodiments the formulations are suitable and useful for administration of ARGX-113 to a human subject. In certain embodiments the formulations are suitable and useful for subcutaneous administration of ARGX-113 to a human subject. The formulations can be used in the treatment of any condition that would benefit from inhibition of FcRn-mediated antibody recycling. Such conditions can include any one or more of various antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases, including, for example and without limitation, myasthenia gravis (MG) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application Serial No. 62/858,806, entitled “PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS OF FCRN INHIBITORS SUITABLE FOR SUBCUTANEOUS ADMINISTRATION”, filed Jun. 7, 2019. The contents of afore-mentioned application are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) antibodies play a key role in the pathology of many disorders, such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and disorders in which the pathology is characterized by over-expression of IgG antibodies (e.g., hypergammaglobulinemia) (see e.g. Junghans, Immunol Res. 16 (1):29 (1997)).

The half-life of IgG in the serum is prolonged relative to the serum half-life of other plasma proteins (Roopenian et al., J Immunol. 170:3528 (2003); Junghans and Anderson, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:5512 (1996)). This long half-life is due, in part, to the binding of the Fc region of IgG to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). Although FcRn was originally characterized as a neonatal transport receptor for maternal IgG, it also functions in adults to protect IgG from degradation. FcRn binds to pinocytosed IgG and protects the IgG from transport to degradative lysosomes by recycling it back to the extracellular compartment. This recycling is facilitated by the pH-dependent binding of IgG to FcRn, where the IgG/FcRn interaction is stronger at acidic endosomal pH than at extracellular physiological pH.

When the serum concentration of IgG reaches a level that exceeds available FcRn molecules, unbound IgG is not protected from degradative mechanisms and will consequently have a reduced serum half-life. Thus, inhibition of IgG binding to FcRn reduces the serum half-life of IgG by preventing IgG endosomal recycling of IgG. Accordingly, agents that antagonize the binding of IgG to FcRn may be useful for regulating, treating or preventing antibody-mediated disorders, such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, etc. Certain of these diseases are currently treated, at least in part, by intravenous infusion of pooled IgG (IVIg) from human donors. As many of these autoimmune diseases are chronic, afflicted individuals may require repeated administrations of IVIg and/or other suitable therapies in order to manage their disease.

In another approach, blocking antibodies to FcRn have been developed to inhibit IgG Fc binding to FcRn (see e.g. WO 2002/043658). Peptides have also been identified that bind to and antagonize FcRn function (see e.g. US 6,212,022 and US 8,101,186). In addition, full-length IgG antibodies comprising variant Fc receptors with enhanced FcRn binding and decreased pH dependence have also been identified that antagonize FcRn binding to IgG (see e.g. US 8,163,881 and Vaccaro et al., Nat Biotechnol. 23(10): 1283-1288 (2005)).

Recently, another FcRn inhibitor, a modified version of human IgG1 Fc fragment, named efgartigimod (also known as ARGX-113), has been developed. See WO 2015/100299, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. ARGX-113 is currently undergoing clinical trials in a number of autoimmune diseases, including myasthenia gravis (MG) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

A need still exists for improved formulations and methods of administration of FcRn inhibitors for use in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are various formulations of ARGX-113, including formulations useful as pharmaceutical compositions, methods for their preparation, devices comprising the various formulations, and uses thereof. In certain embodiments the formulations are suitable and useful for administration of ARGX-113 to a human subject. In certain embodiments the formulations are suitable and useful for subcutaneous administration of ARGX-113 to a human subject. The formulations can be used in the treatment of any condition that would benefit from inhibition of FcRn-mediated antibody recycling. Such conditions can include any one or more of various antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases, including, for example and without limitation, myasthenia gravis (MG) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20-60 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 0-70 mM sucrose, 0-150 mM NaCl, 0-250 mM arginine HCl, 0.02%-0.05% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, 0-15 mM L-methionine, pH 6.0-6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 100-300 mg/mL of the isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20-60 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 0-70 mM sucrose, about 100 mM NaCl, 0.02%-0.05% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, 0-15 mM L-methionine, pH 6.0-6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 100-300 mg/mL of the isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20-60 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 0-70 mM sucrose, 100-250 mM arginine HCl, 0.02%-0.05% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, 0-15 mM L-methionine, pH 6.0-6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 100-300 mg/mL of the isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20-60 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 100-250 mM arginine HCl, 0.02%-0.05% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, 0-15 mM L-methionine, pH 6.0-6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 20 or 50 mM histidine.

In each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80.

In each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0 or 10 mM L-methionine.

In each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the pH is 6.0 or 6.5.

In each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 100-200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 150 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 165 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and about 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 175 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 180 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising water, 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 100-200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 165 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises 165 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 175 mg/mL ARGX-1 13 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 180 mg/mL ARGX-1 13 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 200 mg/mL ARGX-1 13 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 150 mM arginine HCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of an Fc domain homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 175 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 180 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 200 mg/mL ARGX-1 13 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 250 mg/mL, 300 mg/mL or more than 300 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, having a pH of about 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in about 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, about 200 mM arginine HCl, having a pH of 6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 200-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 200 mM arginine HCl, having a pH of 6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 250-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 200 mM arginine HCl, having a pH of 6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments of each of the foregoing aspects of the invention, the aqueous formulation is substantially free of dissolved oxygen.

In certain embodiments of each of the foregoing aspects of the invention, the aqueous formulation is suitable for in vivo use.

In certain embodiments of each of the foregoing aspects of the invention, the aqueous formulation is suitable for in vivo subcutaneous use.

An aspect of the invention is a packaged pharmaceutical product comprising a sterile container comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the aqueous formulation of any one of the foregoing aspects and embodiments.

An aspect of the invention is a device comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the aqueous formulation of any one of the foregoing aspects and embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the device comprises or consists of a syringe comprising the aqueous formulation.

In certain embodiments, the syringe is a pre-filled syringe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts shear thinning / thickening behavior of ARGX-113 at highest concentration studied by shear rate ramping from 0-4000 s⁻¹.

FIG. 2 depicts concentration (mg/mL) versus viscosity (mPa·s) of ARGX-113 in HisHCl + Salt at the indicated concentrations and temperatures (°C).

FIG. 3 depicts protein concentration as measured by UV/Vis of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 2. sh5, shaking at 5° C.; sh25, shaking at 25° C.; 4w5, 4 weeks at 5° C.; 4w25, 4 weeks at 25° C.; 4w40, 4 weeks at 40° C.; 8w5, 8 weeks at 5° C.; 8w25, 8 weeks at 25° C.; 4w40, 8 weeks at 40° C.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict size exclusion chromatography (SEC) results for the main peak and high molecular weight (HMW) species, respectively, of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 2. sh5, shaking at 5° C.; sh25, shaking at 25° C.; 4w5, 4 weeks at 5° C.; 4w25, 4 weeks at 25° C.; 4w40, 4 weeks at 40° C.; 8w5, 8 weeks at 5° C.; 8w25, 8 weeks at 25° C.; 4w40, 8 weeks at 40° C.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict chemical degradation as determined by iCE for the main peak, acidic variants, and basic variants, respectively, of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 2. sh5, shaking at 5° C.; sh25, shaking at 25° C.; 4w5, 4 weeks at 5° C.; 4w25, 4 weeks at 25° C.; 4w40, 4 weeks at 40° C.; 8w5, 8 weeks at 5° C.; 8w25, 8 weeks at 25° C.; 4w40, 8 weeks at 40° C.

FIGS. 6A-6D depict subvisible particles ≥ 2 µm, ≥ 5 µm, ≥ 10 µm, and ≥ 25 µm in diameter, respectively, of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 2. sh5, shaking at 5° C.; sh25, shaking at 25° C.; 4w5, 4 weeks at 5° C.; 4w25, 4 weeks at 25° C.; 4w40, 4 weeks at 40° C.; 8w5, 8 weeks at 5° C.; 8w25, 8 weeks at 25° C.; 4w40, 8 weeks at 40° C.

FIG. 7 depicts turbidity of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 2.

FIG. 8 depicts protein concentration as measured by UV/Vis of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 3. sh 5, shaking at 5° C.; sh 25, shaking at 25° C.; 2w5, 2 weeks at 5° C.; 2w25, 2 weeks at 25° C.; 2w40, 2 weeks at 40° C.

FIG. 9 depicts osmolality as measured by freezing point depression of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 3.

FIG. 10 depicts turbidity of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 3. sh 5, shaking at 5° C.; sh 25, shaking at 25° C.; 2w5, 2 weeks at 5° C.; 2w25, 2 weeks at 25° C.; 2w40, 2 weeks at 40° C.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict size exclusion chromatography (SEC) results for the main peak and high molecular weight (HMW) species, respectively, of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 3. sh 5, shaking at 5° C.; sh 25, shaking at 25° C.; 2w5, 2 weeks at 5° C.; 2w25, 2 weeks at 25° C.; 2w40, 2 weeks at 40° C.

FIGS. 12A-12C depict chemical degradation as determined by iCE for the main peak, acidic variants, and basic variants, respectively, of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 3. sh 5, shaking at 5° C.; sh 25, shaking at 25° C.; 2w5, 2 weeks at 5° C.; 2w25, 2 weeks at 25° C.; 2w40, 2 weeks at 40° C.

FIGS. 13A-13D depict subvisible particles ≥ 2 µm, ≥ 5 µm, ≥ 10 µm, and ≥ 25 µm in diameter, respectively, of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 3. sh 5, shaking at 5° C.; sh 25, shaking at 25° C.; 2w5, 2 weeks at 5° C.; 2w25, 2 weeks at 25° C.; 2w40, 2 weeks at 40° C.

FIG. 14 depicts turbidity of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 4. sh 5, shaking at 5° C.; sh 25, shaking at 25° C.; 3w5, 3 weeks at 5° C.; 3w25, 3 weeks at 25° C.; 3w40, 3 weeks at 40° C.; 6w5, 6 weeks at 5° C.; 6w25, 6 weeks at 25° C.; 6w40, 6 weeks at 40° C.; 9w5, 9 weeks at 5° C.; 9w25, 9 weeks at 25° C.; 9w40, 9 weeks at 40° C.

FIGS. 15A and 15B depict size exclusion chromatography (SEC) results for the main peak and high molecular weight (HMW) species, respectively, of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 4. sh 5, shaking at 5° C.; sh 25, shaking at 25° C.; 3w5, 3 weeks at 5° C.; 3w25, 3 weeks at 25° C.; 3w40, 3 weeks at 40° C.; 6w5, 6 weeks at 5° C.; 6w25, 6 weeks at 25° C.; 6w40, 6 weeks at 40° C.; 9w5, 9 weeks at 5° C.; 9w25, 9 weeks at 25° C.; 9w40, 9 weeks at 40° C.

FIGS. 16A-16C depict chemical degradation as determined by iCE for the main peak, acidic variants, and basic variants, respectively, of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 4. sh 5, shaking at 5° C.; sh 25, shaking at 25° C.; 3w5, 3 weeks at 5° C.; 3w25, 3 weeks at 25° C.; 3w40, 3 weeks at 40° C.; 6w5, 6 weeks at 5° C.; 6w25, 6 weeks at 25° C.; 6w40, 6 weeks at 40° C.; 9w5, 9 weeks at 5° C.; 9w25, 9 weeks at 25° C.; 9w40, 9 weeks at 40° C.

FIGS. 17A-17D depict subvisible particles ≥ 2 µm, ≥ 5 µm, ≥ 10 µm, and ≥ 25 µm in diameter, respectively, of ARGX-113 formulations described in Example 4. sh 5, shaking at 5° C.; sh 25, shaking at 25° C.; 3w5, 3 weeks at 5° C.; 3w25, 3 weeks at 25° C.; 3w40, 3 weeks at 40° C.; 6w5, 6 weeks at 5° C.; 6w25, 6 weeks at 25° C.; 6w40, 6 weeks at 40° C.; 9w5, 9 weeks at 5° C.; 9w25, 9 weeks at 25° C.; 9w40, 9 weeks at 40° C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION ARGX-113

In certain embodiments, the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3. ARGX-113 is a variant Fc region of human IgG1, wherein the Fc region comprises the amino acids Y, T, E, K, F, and Y at EU positions 252, 254, 256, 433, 434, and 436, respectively.

In particular, ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of an Fc domain homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

     DKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLYITREPEVTCVVVD VSHED     PEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLH QDWLNGKEYK     CKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSR DELTKNQVSLTCLVK     GFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDS DGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQG     NVFSCSVMHEALKFHYTQKSLSLSP G (SEQ ID NO: 1)

     DKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLYITREPEVTCVVVD VSHED     PEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLH QDWLNGKEYK     CKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSR DELTKNQVSLTCLVK     GFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDS DGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQG     NVFSCSVMHEALKFHYTQKSLSLSP GK (SEQ ID NO: 2)

     DKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLYITREPEVTCVVVD VSHED     PEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLH QDWLNGKEYK     CKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSR DELTKNQVSLTCLVK     GFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDS DGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQG     NVFSCSVMHEALKFHYTQKSLSLSP DSNLWN (SEQ ID NO: 3)

The N-terminal aspartic acid residue (D) in SEQ ID NO: 1 corresponds to EU position 221, and the C-terminal lysine (K) of SEQ ID NO: 2 corresponds to EU position 447.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulations and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are substantially homogeneous for the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulations and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise a population of polypeptides wherein at least 90% of the polypeptides (e.g., at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more) consist of an Fc domain homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the homodimer consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulations and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are substantially homogeneous for the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2. In particular preferred embodiments, the aqueous formulations and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise a population of polypeptides wherein at least 90% of the polypeptides (e.g., at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more) consist of an Fc domain homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the homodimer consists of SEQ ID NO: 2. In certain embodiments, more than 90% of the polypeptides lack a C-terminal lysine residue (K) at EU position 448.

In certain embodiments, each Fc domain of ARGX-113 further comprises an N-linked glycan at EU position 297, wherein the N-linked glycan has a bisecting N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) structure.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulations and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are substantially homogeneous for the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulations and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise a population of polypeptides wherein at least 90% of the polypeptides (e.g., at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more) consist of an Fc domain homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the homodimer consists of SEQ ID NO: 3.

Antibody-Mediated Autoimmune Diseases

The formulations and compositions of the present invention will find use in the treatment of antibody-mediated and/or antibody-related autoimmune diseases.

Antibody-mediated and/or antibody-related autoimmune diseases are well known. Non-limiting examples of antibody-mediated and/or antibody-related autoimmune diseases include allogenic islet graft rejection, alopecia areata, ankylosing spondylitis, antiphospholipid syndrome, autoimmune Addison’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), autoimmune diseases of the adrenal gland, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune myocarditis, autoimmune neutropenia, autoimmune oophoritis and orchitis, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, autoimmune urticaria, Behcet’s disease, bullous pemphigoid, cardiomyopathy, Castleman’s syndrome, celiac sprue-dermatitis, chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Churg-Strauss syndrome, cicatricial pemphigoid, CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) syndrome, cold agglutinin disease, Crohn’s disease, dermatomyositis, discoid lupus, essential mixed cryoglobulinemia, factor VIII deficiency, fibromyalgia-fibromyositis, glomerulonephritis, Grave’s disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Goodpasture’s syndrome, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hemophilia A, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (immune thrombocytopenia; ITP), IgA neuropathy, IgM polyneuropathies, immune mediated thrombocytopenia, juvenile arthritis, Kawasaki’s disease, lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, Meniere’s disease, mixed connective tissue disease, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), myasthenia gravis (MG), paraneoplastic bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, pernicious anemia, polyarteritis nodosa, polychrondritis, polyglandular syndromes, polymyalgia rheumatica, polymyositis and dermatomyositis, primary agammaglobulinemia, primary biliary cirrhosis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, Reiter’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, solid organ transplant rejection, stiff-man syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Takayasu arteritis, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS), temporal arteritis/giant cell arteritis, thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, dermatitis herpetiformis vasculitis, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides, vitiligo, and Wegener’s granulomatosis.

In certain embodiments, the antibody-mediated autoimmune disease is selected from the group consisting of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and myasthenia gravis (MG).

Formulations

The formulations and compositions of the invention will find use in any disease or condition in which it is desirable to reduce serum levels of an Fc-containing agent in a subject. Fc-containing agents include, without limitation, autoantibodies, therapeutic antibodies, diagnostic antibodies, and immune complexes. Additional non-limiting examples of Fc-containing agents include imaging agents (e.g., labeled antibodies), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), Fc fusion proteins (e.g., immunoadhesins), and immunogenic agents (e.g., non-human antibodies).

Furthermore, in diseases or conditions requiring administration of a therapeutic agent, the subject will often develop antibodies (e.g., anti-drug antibodies) against the therapeutic agent, which, in turn, prevent the therapeutic agent from being available for its intended therapeutic purpose or cause an adverse reaction in the subject. Accordingly, the formulations and compositions disclosed herein can also be used to remove antibodies (e.g., anti-drug antibodies) against the therapeutic agent that develop in a subject.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20-60 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 0-70 mM sucrose, 0-150 mM NaCl, 0-250 mM arginine HCl, 0.02%-0.05% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, 0-15 mM L-methionine, pH 6.0-6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises about 100-300 mg/mL of the isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20-60 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 0-70 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 0.02%-0.05% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, 0-15 mM L-methionine, pH 6.0-6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises about 100-300 mg/mL of the isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20-60 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 0-70 mM sucrose, 100-250 mM arginine HCl, 0.02%-0.05% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, 0-15 mM L-methionine, pH 6.0-6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises about 100-300 mg/mL of the isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20-60 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 100-250 mM arginine HCl, 0.02%-0.05% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, 0-15 mM L-methionine, pH 6.0-6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 20 or 50 mM histidine.

In each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02%-0.04% polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80.

In each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0 or 10 mM L-methionine.

In each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the pH is 6.0 or 6.5.

In each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 300 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 300 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount within ± 10% of any given specified amount. For example, about 200 mg/mL encompasses 90% to 110% of 200 mg/mL, i.e., 180 to 220 mg/mL.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 100-300 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 100-200 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises about 150 to about 200 mg/mL ARGX-113. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 150-200 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises about 150 to about 180 mg/mL ARGX-113. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 150-180 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises about 165 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises about 175 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises about 180 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises about 250 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises about 300 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In accordance with each of the aforementioned embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02% (w/v) polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20.

Alternatively, in accordance with each of the aforementioned embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 80. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02% (w/v) polysorbate 80. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 80. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 80.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises 165 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 150 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 150 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 175 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 175 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 165 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 165 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 175 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 175 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of an Fc domain homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 300 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 150 mM arginine HCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 300 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 150 mM arginine HCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the aqueous formulation comprises 100-300 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the aqueous formulation comprises about 150 to about 200 mg/mL ARGX-113. In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the aqueous formulation comprises 150-200 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the aqueous formulation comprises about 150 to about 180 mg/mL ARGX-113. In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the aqueous formulation comprises 150-180 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In accordance with each of the aforementioned embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02% (w/v) polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 150 mM arginine HCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 150 mM arginine HCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the aqueous formulation comprises 100-300 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the aqueous formulation comprises about 150 to about 200 mg/mL ARGX-113. In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the aqueous formulation comprises 150-200 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the aqueous formulation comprises about 150 to about 180 mg/mL ARGX-113. In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the aqueous formulation comprises 150-180 mg/mL ARGX-113.

In accordance with each of the aforementioned embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02% (w/v) polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20.

Alternatively, in accordance with each of the aforementioned embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 80. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.02% (w/v) polysorbate 80. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 80. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 80.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 150 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 150 mM arginine HCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 80, pH 6.0.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises 150 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 150 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 80, pH 6.0.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 175 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 175 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of an Fc domain homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of an Fc domain homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of an Fc domain homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

An aspect of the invention is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 200 mM arginine HCl, pH 6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 200-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 200 mM arginine HCl, pH 6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 250-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 200 mM arginine HCl, pH 6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In accordance with each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is substantially free of dissolved oxygen. As used herein, the term “substantially free” refers to at least 95% free. For example, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is at least 95% free of dissolved oxygen. In various certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% free of dissolved oxygen. Assuming that water is normally equilibrated with air, which is 20% oxygen, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation substantially free of dissolved oxygen comprises less than or equal to 1% dissolved oxygen. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is 100% free of dissolved oxygen.

In accordance with each of the foregoing aspects and embodiments, in certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is suitable for in vivo use. For example, in such embodiments the aqueous formulation is sterile and free of pharmaceutically unacceptable amounts of toxic materials such as endotoxin. Such aqueous formulations can conform, for example, to Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) quality standards according to regulations promulgated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Methods of Making Formulations

Formulations in accordance with the invention can be prepared using any suitable method. Generally, ARGX-113 is prepared from eukaryotic cells comprising an expression vector or nucleic acid sequence encoding the Fc domain. For example, the eukaryotic cells can be Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, DG44 and DUXB11 (Chinese Hamster Ovary lines, DHFR minus), HELA (human cervical carcinoma), CVI (monkey kidney line), COS (a derivative of CVI with SV40 T antigen), R1610 (Chinese hamster fibroblast) BALBC/3T3 (mouse fibroblast), HAK (hamster kidney line), SP2/0 (mouse myeloma), BFA-1c1BPT (bovine endothelial cells), RAJI (human lymphocyte), 293 (human kidney), or NSO cells. In an embodiment, the eukaryotic cells used to express ARGX-113 are CHO cells. See, for example, WO 2015/100299, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. ARGX-113 typically is expressed as a secreted protein that can be isolated from the cells using techniques known in the art. Generally, the isolated and unconcentrated protein product is then placed in a sterile aqueous solution such as Tris/Glycine, pH 7.2, or 20 mM L-histidine/L-histidine HCl·H₂O, pH 6.0.

This initial product is then up-concentrated and subjected to buffer exchange as appropriate to arrive at a concentrated protein solution comprising ARGX-113 at a concentration equal to or exceeding the target final concentration. For example, the up-concentration and buffer exchange may yield an intermediate product comprising ARGX-113 at about 200 mg/mL in 20 mM L-histidine/L-histidine HCl·H₂O, 100 mM NaCl, pH 6.0.

Up-concentration can be performed using any suitable method in the art. Such methods can include, without limitation, tangential flow filtration (TFF), dialysis, ultrafiltration, and lyophilization. For commercial production purposes, TFF may typically be used.

Additional components can then be added to arrive at the desired final formulation. For example, additional components such as NaCl, arginine HCl, sucrose, and/or polysorbate can be added from concentrated stock solutions of each of said additional components, and, if desired, water can be added to arrive at the desired final formulation. In a particular embodiment, polysorbate (PS20) is added as the very last excipient of the formulation so that an accurate pH value is achieved (adding the polysorbate at the end avoids concentrating up because of the molecular weight of the polysorbate together with ARGX-113).

In certain embodiments, the intermediate solution and additional components are degassed or otherwise treated to reduce or eliminate dissolved oxygen. For example, said intermediate solution and components can be equilibrated with argon or nitrogen.

In certain embodiments, the final aqueous formulation is degassed or otherwise treated to reduce or eliminate dissolved oxygen. For example, said final aqueous formulation can be equilibrated with argon or nitrogen by bubbling said gas in the final aqueous formulation for a period of time sufficient to reduce or eliminate dissolved oxygen from the formulation. In certain embodiments, the final aqueous formulation is then stored under a nitrogen atmosphere.

The aqueous formulation so prepared typically will be sterile filtered and then aliquoted and stored in sterile containers or devices as described herein.

Routes of Administration

The aqueous formulations of the invention are suitable for parenteral administration. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulations of the invention are suitable for subcutaneous administration. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulations of the invention are suitable for intravenous administration. In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulations of the invention are suitable for intraperitoneal administration.

Effective Amount

The formulations and compositions are generally to be administered in an effective amount. An “effective amount” refers to an amount sufficient to achieve a desired effect. In certain embodiments, an effective amount is a therapeutically effective amount, i.e., an amount sufficient to achieve a desired therapeutic effect in a subject. Examples of desired therapeutic effects include, without limitation, decrease in serum total IgG, and treatment of various antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis (MG) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Subject

As used herein, a “subject” refers generally to a mammal. In certain embodiments, a subject is a mammal other than a human or a non-human primate. In certain embodiments, a subject is a human or a non-human primate. In certain embodiments, a subject is a human. In certain embodiments, a subject is an adult human, i.e., a human at least 18 years of age. In certain embodiments, a subject is a human less than 18 years of age.

Pharmaceutical Product

An aspect of the invention is a packaged pharmaceutical product comprising a sterile container comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an aqueous formulation of the invention. In various embodiments, the packaged pharmaceutical product can be presented as a single-use vial, a multi-use vial, or a pre-filled syringe.

Devices

An aspect of the invention is a device comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an aqueous formulation of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 150 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 175 mg/mL isolate FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 150 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 175 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 150 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 165 mg/mL isolate FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 175 mg/mL isolate FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 180 mg/mL isolate FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 300 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 150 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 165 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 165 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 165 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 175 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 150 mM arginine HCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 150 mM arginine HCl, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 150 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 175 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 200 mg/mL of an isolated FcRn antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100 to about 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.02%-0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 150 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 175 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 200 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM arginine HCl, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.03% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0, wherein ARGX-113 is an isolated FcRn antagonist consisting of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous formulation is an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 200 mM arginine HCl, pH 6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO: 3.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 200-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 200 mM arginine HCl, pH 6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In an embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises about 250-300 mg/mL of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 50 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 200 mM arginine HCl, pH 6.5, wherein the isolated FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In accordance with each of the foregoing embodiments of this aspect, in certain embodiments, the device comprises about 1 to about 2.5 mL of the aqueous formulation. In accordance with each of the foregoing embodiments of this aspect, in certain embodiments, the device comprises 1 to 2.5 mL of the aqueous formulation.

In certain embodiments, the device comprises a syringe comprising the aqueous formulation. Such syringe optionally can be fitted with a needle suitable for administering at least a portion of the aqueous solution contained within the syringe to a subject. Fine gauge needles (small diameter) offer less pain for the patient but require low viscosity medications. The needle gauge is preferably 27 gauge or higher (i.e, smaller diameter). The outer diameter of the needle may be 0.413 mm, 0.41 mm, or smaller.

In certain embodiments, the syringe is presented as a pre-filled syringe. Such pre-filled syringe can be suitable for single use or, alternatively, for multiple (two or more) uses. Such pre-filled syringe optionally can be fitted with a needle suitable for administering at least a portion of the aqueous solution contained within the pre-filled syringe to a subject. In certain embodiments, the pre-filled syringe is presented in a single-unit package.

In certain embodiments, the pre-filled syringe is substantially free of atmospheric air. That is, in such embodiments the aqueous formulation contained within the pre-filled syringe is substantially free of dissolved oxygen. For example, the aqueous formulation contained within the pre-filled syringe can be prepared with nitrogen as described herein and then placed within a syringe and sealed under a nitrogen atmosphere so as to exclude atmospheric air. In certain such embodiments, the pre-filled syringe can be presented in a gas-impermeable package.

In a particular embodiment, the invention is a pre-filled syringe filled with 2 mL or 2.1 mL of the aqueous formulation as described herein, e.g. comprising 360 mg/2 mL (= 180 mg/mL) or 330 mg/2 mL (=165 mg/mL) of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist such as ARGX-113. Alternatively, the invention is a vial filled with 2.2 mL of the aqueous formulation as described herein, e.g. comprising 360 mg/2.2 mL (=165 mg/mL) of an isolated neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist such as ARGX-113. Such a vial can be together in a kit with a needle suitable for administering at least a portion of the aqueous solution contained within the vial to a subject.

The instant invention further contemplates additional devices comprising 2 mL, 2.1 mL, 2.2 mL or more than about 2.5 mL of an aqueous formulation in accordance with the invention. Such devices can comprise, for example and without limitation, about 1.8 mL, 2 mL, 2.1 mL, 2.2 mL, 2.4 mL, 2.6 mL, 2.8 mL, 3 mL, 5 mL, about 10 mL, about 20 mL, about 50 mL, and about 100 mL of an aqueous formulation in accordance with the invention. This has the advantage that the formulation can be administered in one go (one shot) by the patient him/herself as a subcutaneous injection e.g. by using a pre-filled syringe with 2 mL, 2.1 mL, 2.2 mL or 5 mL aqueous formulation according to the invention. Such a “push” subcutaneous administration takes about 12 to 20 seconds or up to 1 minute. As a comparison: an infusion by a nurse or caregiver to a subject may take from a few minutes to a few hours; an IV (intravenous) infusion of an ARGX-113 formulation takes about 60 minutes. Pre-filled syringes provide advantages for patients as it can be used as a subcutaneous injection maintenance dose via self-administration.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as further limiting. The contents of Sequence Listing, figures, and all references, patents, and published patent applications cited throughout this application are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

EXAMPLES Example 1. Rheological Characterization

This example describes experiments that were undertaken to develop and characterize high-concentration formulations of ARGX-113. In particular, a goal of this set of experiments was to identify a concentration-viscosity relationship. Studies were performed at two temperatures, 5° C. and 25° C. Five concentrations of ARGX-113 at optimal shear rate were screened to identify rheological profile of ARGX-113 in platform buffer.

Starting with ARGX-113 4-5 mg/mL in Tris/glycine buffer pH 7.2, ARGX-113 buffer was exchanged and up-concentrated to maximum possible concentration (targeted 250 mg/mL) in in sodium phosphate at pH 6.7 + Salt and, separately, in histidine HCl (HisHCl) + Salt at pH 6.0. Concentration and pH were monitored during the processing. Viscoelastic behavior was studied at highest concentration in HisHCl at pH 6.0 + Salt by shear rate ramping from 0-4000 s⁻ ¹. Serial dilutions were performed (6 concentrations) and verified with UV-absorbance measurement (A₂₈₀). Viscosity vs concentration measurements were performed at a shear rate of 2000 s⁻¹.

ARGX-113 in sodium phosphate pH 6.7 + Salt precipitated out of solution at ~130 mg/mL.

ARGX-113 up-concentration processing in sodium phosphate at pH 6.7 + Salt was very slow. ARGX-113 at high concentration (~130 mg/mL) in sodium phosphate at pH 6.7 + Salt showed reversible solid/liquid phase transition depending on the storage condition (5° C. versus 25° C.). ARGX-113 at high concentration (~130 mg/mL) in sodium phosphate at pH 6.7 + Salt showed very high number and size of visible particles at 5° C.

In contrast, ARGX-113 in HisHCl + Salt at pH 6.0 remained in solution up to at least ~260 mg/mL.

ARGX-113 up-concentration processing in HisHCl + Salt at pH 6.0 was rapid.

No precipitation or phase separation was prominently visible during the up-concentration as in contrast with sodium phosphate buffer + Salt.

Concentration-dependent sol-gel transition was observed after storage at 5° C. HisHCl formulations appeared very jelly at ~260 mg/mL concentration (260 > 200 >> 120 mg/mL) which quickly converted into liquid upon warming to room temperature or pipetting.

ARGX-113 seems to have some thixotropic behavior in HisHCl + Salt at pH 6.0 at very high concentration and low temperature (> 180 mg/mL, 5° C.).

Shear thinning / thickening behavior of ARGX-113 at highest concentration (267 mg/mL in HisHCl + Salt at pH 6.0 at 25° C.) was studied by shear rate ramping from 0-4000 s⁻¹. Representative results are shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in the figure, ARGX-113 did not show any significant shear thickening or thinning in the range of 1000-4000 s⁻¹. 2000 s⁻¹ was chosen as the shear rate for additional studies.

Representative results from study of concentration of ARGX-113 in HisHCl + Salt at pH 6.0 versus viscosity are shown in FIG. 2 . As shown in the figure, viscosity at about 180 mg/mL at 5° C. and 25° C. were 6 and 17 mPa·s, respectively, and viscosity at about 200 mg/mL at 5° C. and 25° C. were 9 and 33 mPa·s, respectively.

Additional studies were undertaken to evaluate a variety of excipients and pH values for up-concentrated solutions of ARGX-113. Starting with ARGX-113 4-5 mg/mL in Tris/glycine buffer pH 7.2, ARGX-113 buffer was exchanged and up-concentrated in sodium phosphate + Salt at pH 6.7 and, separately, in HisHCl + Salt at pH 6.0 to a target concentration of 175 mg/mL. Concentration and pH were monitored during the processing. Stock solutions of different excipients were prepared to achieve various target formulation compositions. Eleven (11) formulation conditions with different excipients and pH were studied for viscosity lowering assessment at high concentration of 175 mg/mL. The various formulations studied are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 ID Buffer pH Excipient 1 Excipient 2 Excipient 3 F1 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 150 mM NaCl -- -- F2 50 mM HisHCl 6.0 150 mM ArgHCl -- -- F3 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 50 mM ArgHCl -- F4 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 50 mM NaCl 50 mM ArgHCl 75 mM Sucrose F5 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 50 mM NaCl 100 mM ArgHCl -- F6 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 75 mM Sucrose -- F7 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 50 mM NaCl 50 mM ArgHCl -- F8 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 50 mM NaCl 150 mM Sucrose -- F9 20 mM HisHCl 6.5 150 mM NaCl -- -- F10 20 mM HisHCl 5.5 150 mM NaCl -- -- F11 25 mM SodPhos 6.7 100 mM NaCl 150 mM ArgHCl -- ArgHCl: arginine HCl SodPhos: sodium phosphate

Phosphate formulation was not able to formulate above 100 mg/mL due to significant precipitation. All formulations were stored at 5° C. for about 48 hours to observe phase transition if any. Viscosity measurements for all 11 formulations were performed at shear rate of 2000 s⁻¹ at 5° C. and selective formulation at 25° C.

All formulations except stock remained liquid and clear on storage at 5° C. even after two days. F11 (SodPhos + NaCl) became turbid and showed precipitation on up-concentration to ~129 mg/mL. Phosphate formulation formed a clear solution after compounding and storage at 5° C. F9 (pH 6.5) formulation was slightly opaque which further became slightly clear at 5° C.

Viscosity was low (< 25 mPa·s) at 5° C. in all formulations F1-F11. F2 and F5 showed effective lowering in viscosity. Sucrose increased viscosity at 175 mg/mL, in 20 mM His/HisHCl, pH 6.0 (F6 and F8).

Example 2. Further Rheological Characterization

This example describes experiments that were undertaken to develop and characterize further candidate high-concentration formulations of ARGX-113. In particular, a goal of this set of experiments was to identify a candidate high-concentration liquid formulation of ARGX-113 for pre-clinical toxicology and early phase clinical studies based on certain characteristics and short-term stability studies.

The compositions of four aqueous formulations of ARGX-113 studied in this example are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 ID ARGX-113 Buffer pH Excipient 1 Excipient 2 Excipient 3 F12 150 mg/mL 50 mM HisHCl 6.0 -- 150 mM ArgHCl 0.04% w/v PS80 F13 150 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose 0.04% w/v PS20 F14 100 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.5 75 mM NaCl 100 mM Sucrose 0.04% w/v PS20 F15 100 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 75 mM NaCl 100 mM Sucrose 0.04% w/v PS20 PS20: polysorbate 20 PS80: polysorbate 80

Starting with ARGX-113 ~136 mg/mL in 20 mM L-histidine/L-histidine HCl·H₂O, ARGX-113 buffer was exchanged to achieve target buffer concentration and pH, followed by up-concentration above the target concentrations shown in Table 2. F14 was prepared as 100 mg/mL concentration due to the solidification of material during the up-concentration which restricted the formulation concentration to 100 mg/mL after compounding using stock solutions.

Initial characterization of these formulations included determination of pH, osmolality by freezing point depression, and actual protein concentration. Representative results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Test Formulation F12 F13 F14 F15 pH 6.0 6.1 6.4 6.0 Osmolality (mOsmol/kg) 367 322 385 395 Protein Concentration (mg/mL) 160.1 153.4 99.2 101.7

An aliquot of each formulation was subjected in horizontal position to shake stress during approximately 7 days at room temperature and cool temperature conditions in an orbital shaker at a target speed of 115 rpm.

An aliquot of each formulation was subjected in vertical position to five freeze/thaw cycles from -65° C. or below to room temperature.

As shown in FIG. 3 , ARGX-113 concentration was stable under all conditions tested. In FIG. 3 : F1 = F12; F2 = F13; F3= F14; F4 = F15. The bars shown in the order from left to right in FIG. 3 are the following: F1 initial; F1 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F1 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F1 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F1 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F1 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F1 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F1 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F1 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F1 8 weeks at 40° C. (8w40); F2 initial; F2 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F2 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F2 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F2 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F2 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F2 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F2 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F2 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F2 8 weeks at 40° C. (8w40); F3 initial; F3 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F3 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F3 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F3 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F3 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F3 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F3 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F3 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F3 8 weeks at 40° C. (8w40); F4 initial; F4 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F4 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F4 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F4 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F4 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F4 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F4 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F4 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F4 8 weeks at 40° C. (8w40).

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, for all liquid formulations tested, no major differences were observed in aggregation and fragmentation by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Also, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, no major chemical degradation was observed by integrated chip-based capillary electrophoresis (iCE). As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, overall visible and subvisible particle counts were low on shaking and freeze/thaw stress. This data suggested no significant differences between polysorbate 20 and 80 formulations and both polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80, at 0.04% w/v, equally protected ARGX-113 against agitation and freeze/thaw stress. In FIGS. 4A-4B, 5A-5C and 6A-6D: F1 = F12; F2 = F13; F3= F14; F4 = F15. The bars shown in the order from left to right in FIGS. 4A-4B, 5A-5C and 6A-6D are the following: F1 initial; F1 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F1 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F1 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F1 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F1 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F1 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F1 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F1 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F1 8 weeks at 40° C. (8w40); F2 initial; F2 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F2 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F2 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F2 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F2 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F2 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F2 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F2 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F2 8 weeks at 40° C. (8w40); F3 initial; F3 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F3 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F3 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F3 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F3 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F3 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F3 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F3 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F3 8 weeks at 40° C. (8w40); F4 initial; F4 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F4 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F4 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F4 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F4 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F4 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F4 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F4 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F4 8 weeks at 40° C. (8w40).

Short-term stability data up to 2 months (8 weeks) suggested that ARGX-113 has moderate aggregation tendency with 0.8-1.7 % area increase in aggregation after 8 weeks at 40° C. in SEC. Aggregation rate of ARGX-113 was dependent upon the concentration, pH, and composition at specific storage condition. F13 formulation with NaCl showed higher aggregation compared to F12 with Arginine at 40° C. F14 formulation at pH 6.5 showed higher aggregation compared to F15 at pH 6.0 at 100 mg/mL concentration at 40° C. This data suggested that ARGX-113 has better stability at pH 6.0 compared to pH 6.5. Fragmentation was below the limit of quantification (LOQ) in SEC.

In iCE, ARGX-113 showed high basic and acidic species with low main peak at initial which was rapidly decreased on stability depending upon the pH and composition, especially at elevated temperatures. The iCE profile suggested that the main peak of ARGX-113 in liquid formulations was mainly converted into acidic variants (~ 24 %) at 40° C. on 8 weeks stability. ARGX-113 at 100 mg/mL and 150 mg/mL did not show major differences in the rate and extent of chemical degradation in liquid formulations on 2 month stability. No major changes in basic peaks were observed for all studied formulations and stability time points.

Also, CE-SDS (Caliper, PerkinElmer) did not show any major changes over the 8 week stability study (results not shown).

All formulations were free of visible particles initially and after 8 weeks at 5, 25 and 40° C. except F12 formulation which showed many particles (particle cloud) after 8 weeks at 40° C. Color of solutions varied from slightly brownish to brown depending on storage and formulation conditions, and all formulations showed stable target pH (± 0.2) at initial and after 8 weeks at 5, 25 and 40° C.

As shown in FIG. 7 , overall turbidity of formulations at 150 mg/mL was higher than 15 FNU (formazin nephelometric turbidity units). Furthermore, sodium chloride formulations showed higher turbidity compared to arginine-containing formulations. F13 showed noticeable increase in turbidity after 4 and 8 weeks at 40° C. In FIG. 7 : F1 = F12; F2 = F13; F3= F14; F4 = F15. The bars shown in the order from left to right in FIG. 7 are the following: F1 initial; F1 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F1 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F1 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F1 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F1 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F1 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F1 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F1 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F2 initial; F2 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F2 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F2 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F2 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F2 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F2 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F2 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F2 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F3 initial; F3 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F3 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F3 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F3 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F3 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F3 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F3 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F3 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25); F4 initial; F4 shaking at 5° C. (shaking sh 5); F4 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F4 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F4 4 weeks at 5° C. (4W5); F4 4 weeks at 25° C. (4W25); F4 4 weeks at 40° C. (4W40); F4 8 weeks at 5° C. (8w5); F4 8 weeks at 25° C. (8w25).

From the results obtained in this example, it was concluded that (i) formulation containing NaCl showed higher turbidity than formulation containing arginine, and turbidity increase was higher in NaCl formulation at 150 mg/mL concentration at 40° C.; (ii) overall subvisible particle count was noticeable over the 8-week stability study, except F12 showed increased visible and subvisible particles at 40° C.; (iii) initial levels of aggregates were high, but rate of increase of aggregates was moderate after 8 weeks at 40° C.; (iv) arginine formulation showed lower aggregation on 8 weeks stability compared to NaCl formulation; (v) ARGX-113 showed good physical stability at 150 and 100 mg/mL concentrations, however, physical stability at 100 mg/mL concentration was slightly higher compared to 150 mg/mL formulation at pH 6.0; (vi) initial levels of charged variants were high, and the main peak was mainly getting into the acidic variants in all liquid formulations. Formulation with pH 6.5 showed slightly higher formation of acidic variants compared to formulation with pH 6.0; and (vii) polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80 at 0.04% w/v concentration were equally effective to protect ARGX-113 against agitation and freeze-thaw stresses.

Example 3. pH and Surfactant Optimization

This example describes additional experiments that were undertaken to develop and characterize further candidate high-concentration formulations of ARGX-113. In particular, a goal of this set of experiments was to identify a candidate high-concentration liquid formulation of ARGX-113 for pre-clinical toxicology and early phase clinical studies based on certain characteristics and short-term stability studies.

The compositions of seven aqueous formulations of ARGX-113 studied in this example are shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 ID ARGX-113 Buffer pH Excipient 1 Excipient 2 Surfactant F13 150 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose 0.04% w/v PS20 F16 175 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose 0.04% w/v PS20 F17 200 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose 0.04% w/v PS20 F18 175 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose 0.02% w/v PS20 F19 175 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose 0.02% w/v PS80 F20 175 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose 0.05% w/v PS80 F21 175 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose 0.04% w/v PX188 PS20: polysorbate 20 PS80: polysorbate 80 PX188: poloxamer 188

Experiments were performed on each of the formulations to study 2-week stability at 5° C., 25° C., and 40° C., 1-week shaking stress at 5° C., 1-week shaking stress at 25° C. and 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress.

Buffer exchange and up-concentration were performed in 20 mM HisHCl, 100 mM NaCl at selected pH, followed immediately by addition of appropriate amounts of sucrose and surfactant stocks to achieve target concentrations. Formulations were stored at 5° C. overnight to observe for any phase transition. Phase separation was observed in F17 (200 mg/mL), but it returned to liquid phase after room temperature equilibration. The various formulations were then filtered and placed in separate vials.

Following 1-week storage at 5° C., and similarly after 5-day agitation at 5° C., reversible solid-liquid phase transition was observed in F17, F18 and F19 samples. Upon warming/equilibration to room temperature, formulations returned to clear liquid solution. The other formulations (F12, F16, F20, and F21) did not show visible solidification/phase transition under these same conditions.

Following 2-week storage at 5° C., reversible solid-liquid phase transition was observed in F17, F18 and F19 samples. Upon warming/equilibration to room temperature, formulations returned to clear liquid solution. The other formulations (F12, F16, F20, and F21) did not show visible solidification/phase transition under these same conditions.

Following 2-week storage at 25° C., all samples remained in liquid phase, but many particles were visible in F21.

Following 2-week storage at 40° C., increased opalescence was observed in F13, F18, F19, and F20. In view of results in Example 2, the increased opalescence observed in F13 was unexpected.

FIG. 8 shows that there was no major change in ARGX-113 protein concentration during these stability studies.

FIG. 9 shows osmolality of the formulations after 2-week storage at 5° C.

FIG. 10 shows that F13 and F18 showed significant increase in turbidity after 2-week storage at 40° C. Turbidity was doubled in F19 and F20 after 2-week storage at 40° C.

FIGS. 11A-11B show aggregation results.

FIGS. 12A-12C show iCE results.

FIGS. 13A-13D show subvisible particle results.

In FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11A-11B, 12A-12C, 13A-13D: F1 = F13; F2 = F16; F3 = F17; F4 = F18; F5 = F19; F6 = F20; F7 = F21. The bars shown in the order from left to right in FIGS. 8, 10, 11A-11B, 12A-12C, 13A-13D are the following (remark: several bars in FIGS. 13A-13D are very low but the order of the bars is the same, even when there is almost no bar visible in the graph): F1 initial; F1 shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F1 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F1 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F1 2 weeks at 5° C. (2W5); F1 2 weeks at 25° C. (2W25); F1 2 weeks at 40° C. (2W40); F2 initial; F2 shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F2 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F2 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F2 2 weeks at 5° C. (2W5); F2 2 weeks at 25° C. (2W25); F2 2 weeks at 40° C. (2W40); F3 initial; F3 shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F3 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F3 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F3 2 weeks at 5° C. (2W5); F3 2 weeks at 25° C. (2W25); F3 2 weeks at 40° C. (2W40); F4 initial; F4 shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F4 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F4 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F4 2 weeks at 5° C. (2W5); F4 2 weeks at 25° C. (2W25); F4 2 weeks at 40° C. (2W40); F5 initial; F5 shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F5 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F5 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F5 2 weeks at 5° C. (2W5); F5 2 weeks at 25° C. (2W25); F5 2 weeks at 40° C. (2W40); F6 initial; F6 shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F6 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F6 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F6 2 weeks at 5° C. (2W5); F6 2 weeks at 25° C. (2W25); F6 2 weeks at 40° C. (2W40); F7 initial; F7 shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F7 shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F7 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F7 2 weeks at 5° C. (2W5); F7 2 weeks at 25° C. (2W25); F7 2 weeks at 40° C. (2W40).

From the results obtained in this example, it was concluded that (i) polysorbate 20 at 0.02% and 0.04% were equally effective with respect to protecting ARGX-113 from shaking and freeze/thaw stress, irrespective of protein concentration (e.g., 150 or 175 mg/mL); (ii) polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80 were equally effective with respect to protecting ARGX-113 from shaking and freeze/thaw stress; (iii) polysorbate 20 and poloxamer 188 were equally effective with respect to protecting ARGX-113 from shaking and freeze/thaw stress; (iv) aggregation was concentration-dependent and F16 and F17 (175 mg/mL and 200 mg/mL, respectively) had greater aggregation after 2-week storage at 40° C. compared to F13 (150 mg/mL); (v) ARGX-113 concentration > 175 mg/mL showed reversible temperature-dependent solid-liquid phase transition; and (vi) lower pH (5.0 and 5.3) showed higher risk of reversible temperature-dependent solid-liquid phase transition, and pH 5.0 showed possible risk of chemical degradation forming basic species and possible fragmentation.

Example 4. Further Excipient Characterization

This example describes yet additional experiments that were undertaken to develop and characterize further candidate high-concentration formulations of ARGX-113. In particular, a goal of this set of experiments was to identify a candidate high-concentration liquid formulation of ARGX-113 for pre-clinical toxicology and early phase clinical studies based on certain characteristics and short-term stability studies.

The compositions of seven aqueous formulations of ARGX-113 studied in this example are shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 ID ARGX-113 Buffer pH Excipient 1 Excipient 2 Excipient 3 Surfactant F22 175 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM ArgCl 60 mM Sucrose 10 mM L-Methionine 0.03% w/v PS20 F23 175 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose 10 mM L-Methionine 0.03% w/v PS20 F24 175 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM ArgCl 60 mM Sucrose 10 mM L-Methionine 0.03% w/v PS20 F25 175 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose 10 mM L-Methionine 0.03% w/v PS20 F26 160 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM ArgCl 60 mM Sucrose -- 0.03% w/v PS20 F27 160 mg/mL 20 mM HisHCl 6.0 100 mM NaCl 60 mM Sucrose -- 0.03% w/v PS20 PS20: polysorbate 20

F22 and F23 were prepared as 2.0 mL aliquots in vials.

F24 and F25 were prepared as 2.0 mL aliquots in Nuovo Ompi glass syringes.

F26 and F27 were prepared as 2.0 mL aliquots in BD SCF Neopak glass syringes.

For F22, F24, and F26, buffer exchange and up-concentration were performed in 20 mM HisHCl, 100 mM ArgCl, with or without 10 mM L-methionine, at selected pH, followed by bulk filtration and, for compounded samples, addition of appropriate amounts of sucrose and surfactant stocks to achieve target concentrations. Compounded and uncompounded formulations were stored at 5° C. overnight to observe for any phase transition. No phase separation was observed in any of the compounded or uncompounded formulations. Then compounded formulations underwent filtration, fill, and finish.

For F23, F25, and F27, buffer exchange and up-concentration were performed in 20 mM HisHCl, 100 mM NaCl, with or without 10 mM L-methionine, at selected pH, followed by bulk filtration and, for compounded samples, addition of appropriate amounts of sucrose and surfactant stocks to achieve target concentrations. Compounded and uncompounded formulations were stored at 5° C. overnight to observe for any phase transition. No phase separation was observed in any of the compounded formulations, but phase separation was observed in the uncompounded bulk formulation. Then compounded formulations underwent filtration, fill, and finish.

All formulations were then subjected to certain storage conditions for specified periods of time prior to analysis in terms of visual appearance, color, clarity, pH, sub-visible particles, purity by SE-HPLC, purity by iCE, purity by CE-SDS, viscosity, and break and glide force measurement.

All formulations remained in liquid phase under conditions of 3 weeks storage at 5° C., 3 weeks storage at 25° C., and 3 weeks storage at 40° C.

All formulations remained in liquid phase under conditions of 6 weeks storage at 5° C., 6 weeks storage at 25° C., and 6 weeks storage at 40° C., although some haze formation was observed in F22 and F26 after 6 weeks storage at 40° C.

All formulations remained in liquid phase under conditions of 9 weeks storage at 5° C., 9 weeks storage at 25° C., and 9 weeks storage at 40° C., although some precipitation was observed in all formulations stored for 9 weeks at 40° C.

Protein concentration was found to be essentially stable (within 10 percent of initial concentration) for each of F22-F27 under conditions of shaking at 5° C., shaking at 25° C., freeze/thaw, 3 weeks storage at 5° C., 3 weeks storage at 25° C., 3 weeks storage at 40° C., 6 weeks storage at 5° C., 6 weeks storage at 25° C., 6 weeks storage at 40° C., 9 weeks storage at 5° C., 9 weeks storage at 25° C., and 9 weeks storage at 40° C.

pH was found to be stable for each of F22-F27 under conditions of shaking at 5° C., shaking at 25° C., freeze/thaw, 3 weeks storage at 5° C., 3 weeks storage at 25° C., 3 weeks storage at 40° C., 6 weeks storage at 5° C., 6 weeks storage at 25° C., 6 weeks storage at 40° C., 9 weeks storage at 5° C., 9 weeks storage at 25° C., and 9 weeks storage at 40° C.

All formulations at all times studied were practically free from visible particles except for F22 and F24 after 6 weeks storage at 40° C., and all formulations after 9 weeks storage at 40° C.

Osmolality, viscosity, break force, and glide force of the various syringe formulations stored at 5° C. for 9 weeks are shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 ID Osmolality (mOsmol/kg) Viscosity (cP) Syringeability Break Force Glide Force F24 319 6 4.4 6.4 F25 331 6 4.7 6.6 F26 308 5 4.1 3.8 F27 307 5 4.3 4.2

As shown in FIG. 14 , an increase in turbidity was observed for all formulations stored for 9 weeks at 40° C., and NaCl formulations and formulations without L-methionine showed slightly higher turbidity than ArgCl formulations.

Aggregation was assessed using SE-HPLC. FIGS. 15A-15B show aggregation results. After 9 weeks of storage at 40° C., around 1.5-1.9% loss in the main peak was observed depending on the formulation. F23 and F25 (NaCl formulations) showed slightly higher loss in the main peak at 40° C. compared to F22 and F24 (ArgCl formulations). F26 and F27 (without L-methionine) showed slightly higher loss in the main peak at 40° C. compared to formulations with L-methionine. Loss in monomer was mainly due to high molecular weights (HMWs) and aggregates formation. F23 and F25 (NaCl formulations) showed slightly higher aggregation at 40° C. compared to F22 and F24 (ArgCl formulations). F26 and F27 (without L-methionine) showed slightly higher HMWs at 40° C. compared to formulations with L-methionine.

FIGS. 16A-16C show iCE results. All formulations showed similar extent of loss in the main peak (29-32%) after storage for 9 weeks at 40° C. A similar extent of increase in basic and acidic species was observed.

FIGS. 17A-17D show subvisible particle results. Data shown for samples stored for 9 weeks at 40° C. may not be reliable due to precipitation in these samples.

From the results obtained in this example, it was concluded that (i) uncompounded ArgCl-containing formulations remained in liquid state after storage at 5° C. even at concentration around 200 mg/mL; (ii) in contrast, uncompounded NaCl-containing formulations did not remain in liquid state after storage at 5° C. at concentration around 200 mg/mL; (iii) compounded ArgCl-containing formulations exhibited precipitation after storage for 6 weeks at 40° C.; (iv) in contrast, compounded NaCl-containing formulations exhibited no precipitation after storage for 6 weeks at 40° C.; (v) compounded NaCl-containing formulations exhibited higher aggregation rate than ArgCl formulations; and (vi) precipitation of compounded NaCl-containing formulations was observed after storage for 9 weeks at 40° C.

In FIGS. 14, 15A-15B, 16A-16C, 17A-17D: F1V = F22; F2V = F23; F1S = F24; F2S = F25; F3S = F26; F4S = F27. The bars shown in the order from left to right in FIGS. 14, 15A-15B, 16A-16C, 17A-17D are the following (remark: several bars in FIGS. 17A-17D are very low but the order of the bars is the same, even when there is almost no bar visible in the graph): F1V initial; F1V shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F1V shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F1V 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F1V 3 weeks at 5° C. (3W5); F1V 3 weeks at 25° C. (3W25); F1V 3 weeks at 40° C. (3W40); F1V 6 weeks at 5° C. (6W5); F1V 6 weeks at 25° C. (6W25); F1V 6 weeks at 40° C. (6W40); F1V 9 weeks at 5° C. (9W5); F1V 9 weeks at 25° C. (9W25); F1V 9 weeks at 40° C. (9W40); F2V initial; F2V shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F2V shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F2V 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F2V 3 weeks at 5° C. (3W5); F2V 3 weeks at 25° C. (3W25); F2V 3 weeks at 40° C. (3W40); F2V 6 weeks at 5° C. (6W5); F2V 6 weeks at 25° C. (6W25); F2V 6 weeks at 40° C. (6W40); F2V 9 weeks at 5° C. (9W5); F2V 9 weeks at 25° C. (9W25); F2V 9 weeks at 40° C. (9W40); F1S initial; F1S shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F1S shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F1S 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F1S 3 weeks at 5° C. (3W5); F1S 3 weeks at 25° C. (3W25); F1S 3 weeks at 40° C. (3W40); F1S 6 weeks at 5° C. (6W5); F1S 6 weeks at 25° C. (6W25); F1S 6 weeks at 40° C. (6W40); F1S 9 weeks at 5° C. (9W5); F1S 9 weeks at 25° C. (9W25); F1S 9 weeks at 40° C. (9W40); F2S initial; F2S shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F2S shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F2S 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F2S 3 weeks at 5° C. (3W5); F2S 3 weeks at 25° C. (3W25); F2S 3 weeks at 40° C. (3W40); F2S 6 weeks at 5° C. (6W5); F2S 6 weeks at 25° C. (6W25); F2S 6 weeks at 40° C. (6W40); F2S 9 weeks at 5° C. (9W5); F2S 9 weeks at 25° C. (9W25); F2S 9 weeks at 40° C. (9W40); F3S initial; F3S shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F3S shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F3S 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F3S 3 weeks at 5° C. (3W5); F3S 3 weeks at 25° C. (3W25); F3S 3 weeks at 40° C. (3W40); F3S 6 weeks at 5° C. (6W5); F3S 6 weeks at 25° C. (6W25); F3S 6 weeks at 40° C. (6W40); F3S 9 weeks at 5° C. (9W5); F3S 9 weeks at 25° C. (9W25); F3S 9 weeks at 40° C. (9W40); F4S initial; F4S shaking at 5° C. (shakingsh 5); F4S shaking at 25° C. (shaking sh 25); F4S 5 cycles of freeze/thaw stress (freeze/thawF/T); F4S 3 weeks at 5° C. (3W5); F4S 3 weeks at 25° C. (3W25); F4S 3 weeks at 40° C. (3W40); F4S 6 weeks at 5° C. (6W5); F4S 6 weeks at 25° C. (6W25); F4S 6 weeks at 40° C. (6W40); F4S 9 weeks at 5° C. (9W5); F4S 9 weeks at 25° C. (9W25); F4S 9 weeks at 40° C. (9W40).

Example 5. Further Testing for pH Optimization

This example describes the comparison between 2 preparation methods: method 1 (pilot) was compared to method 2 (GMP). Method 2 resulted in a more accurate pH compared to Preparation 1.

Several excipients were added to WFI (water for injection), dissolved and then the formulation buffer with the different excipients was brought to volume. The excipients were added in a random order.

The resulting formulation buffer was used during the UF/DF (ultrafiltration/diafiltration) formulation step of the protein (ARGX-113). The polysorbate 20 had not been added at this moment yet.

TABLE 7 Chemicals Pilot (Method 1) GMP (Method 2) Concentration (g/L) L-Histidine 1.436 1.552 L-Histidine Monohydrochloride 2.252 2.096 Sodium Chloride 5.844 5.84 L-Methionine 1.492 1.492 Sucrose 20.54 20.54

Next the polysorbate was added via a 10% solution by dilution 996:4 (example: to 1000 kg of the product formulation buffer, 4008 ml excipient buffer was added), which is called the excipient addition step. So the polysorbate 20 (PS20) was added after the diafiltration/ultrafiltration step.

This resulted in the following final ARGX-113 formulation:

165 mg/mL ARGX-113 in 20 mM L-histidine / L-histidine hydrochloride, 100 mM sodium chloride, 60 mM sucrose, 10 mM L-methionine with 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 at pH 6.0.

It is understood by the skilled person that the methods from this Example can also be used to make formulations with higher protein (ARGX-113) concentrations than 165 mg/mL, e.g. 180 mg/mL or 200 mg/mL or as high as 300 mg/mL.

Example 6. Ultra-High Concentration Formulations

In this example additional experiments were performed to evaluate the possibility of viscosity-reducing formulation conditions for an even higher concentration of ARGX-113, e.g., 250 to 300 mg/mL. Three formulations were prepared at different pH values and ionic strengths for this purpose. The three target formulations are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Target formulations F101 F102 F103 pH 5.5 6.0 6.5 ARGX-113, mg/mL 250 250 250 Histidine Buffer, mM 50 50 50 Arginine, mM 200 200 200 Volume, mL 1 1 1

Materials and Methods

Stock solution of ARGX-113 was subjected to buffer exchange, followed by upconcentration, measurement of protein (ARGX-113) concentration, dilution to about 250 mg/mL, and spiking with excipients. Each of the resulting formulations was subdivided into a 5° C. storage lot and a 25° C. storage lot, then analyzed periodically over the course of 14 days for viscosity, osmolality, visual inspection, and filtration testing with 0.22 µm filter. Analysis was performed at days 0 (D0; day of preparation), 3 (D3), 7 (D7), and 14 (D14).

Results

Observed pH, osmolality, protein concentration, viscosity, and visual appearance are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Units F101 F102 F103 pH -- 5.5 6.0 6.5 Osmolality mOsm/kg 556 516 469 Protein conc. mg/mL 254 251 272 Viscosity D0 measured at 5° C. mPA·s 169 95 24 Viscosity D0 measured at 25° C. mPA·s 110 96 12 Viscosity D3 5° C. storage measured at 5° C. mPA·s nd 69 nd Viscosity D3 5° C. storage measured at 25° mPA·s 44 52 28 28 11 11 Visual Appearance 7 days at 5° C. or 25° C. - Liquid with gel particles Homogeneous, clear at both temperatures Homogeneous, clear at both temperatures Visual Appearance 14 days at 5° C. or 25° C. - Liquid with gel particles Homogeneous, clear at both temperatures Homogeneous, clear at both temperatures Filtration D14 5° C. storage - Not possible Possible Possible Viscosity D14 measured at 5° C. mPA·s - 17 26 Viscosity D14 measured at 25° C. mPA·s - 13 13 11 13 nd: not done

To summarize:

-   3 formulations of ARGX-113 at concentration ≥ 250 mg/mL were     prepared with Arginine 200 mM. -   The viscosity of the 3 formulations decreased with the pH value.     F103 formulation was the lowest viscosity formulation at 5 and     25° C. over 2 weeks (pH=6.5 at 24 mPa·s, measured at 5° C.). -   F101 formulation could not be prepared homogeneously at small scale,     due to formation of gel particles. -   F102 formulation showed unexpected variability in viscosity, that     seemed to decrease with time. -   F103 formulation showed low viscosity that was quite reproducible     within 2 weeks. -   The visual appearance of the stored formulations F102 and F103     remained the same over 2 weeks, whether storage was at 5° C. or 25°     C. -   A whitish highly viscous solution was observed in stock solutions     (270-280 mg/mL protein) containing 100 mM Arginine after 7 days.     After 14 days, a solid gel was observed. (Data not shown.) -   A filtration test was performed: the viscosity of F102 and F103     stayed low (< 26 mPa·s) after filtration at 5° C. 

What is claimed is: 1-17. (canceled)
 18. A packaged pharmaceutical product comprising a sterile container comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an aqueous formulation comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of a neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist in 20-60 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 0-70 mM sucrose, 0-150 mM NaCl, 0-250 mM arginine HCl, 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, 0-15 mM L-methionine, pH 6.0-6.5, wherein the FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, and wherein the variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or SEQ ID NO:
 3. 19. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, and 100 mM NaCl.
 20. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising 150 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, and 100 mM NaCl, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the FcRn antagonist consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 21. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising about 175 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, and 100 mM NaCl, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the FcRn antagonist consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 22. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising 175 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, and 100 mM NaCl, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the FcRn antagonist consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 23. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising about 200 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, and 100 mM NaCl, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the FcRn antagonist consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 24. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising 200 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, and 100 mM NaCl, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the FcRn antagonist consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 25. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising about 100-200 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 10 mM L-methionine.
 26. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising about 165 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 10 mM L-methionine.
 27. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising about 175 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 10 mM L-methionine, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the FcRn antagonist consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 28. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising 175 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 10 mM L-methionine, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the FcRn antagonist consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 29. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising about 200 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 10 mM L-methionine, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the FcRn antagonist consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 30. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, comprising 200 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist in 20 mM histidine/histidine HCl, 60 mM sucrose, 100 mM NaCl, and 10 mM L-methionine, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains of the FcRn antagonist consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 31. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, wherein the packaged pharmaceutical product is presented as a single-use vial, a multi-use vial, or a pre-filled syringe.
 32. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 18, wherein the packaged pharmaceutical product is presented as a single-use vial.
 33. A packaged pharmaceutical product comprising a sterile container comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an aqueous formulation comprising 100-200 mg/mL of an FcRn antagonist in 20 mM L-histidine/L-histidine HCl, 100 mM NaCl, 60 mM sucrose, 10 mM L-methionine, and 0.04% (w/v) polysorbate 20, pH 6.0-6.5, wherein the FcRn antagonist consists of a variant Fc region, and wherein the variant Fc region consists of two Fc domains which form a homodimer, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO:
 2. 34. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 33, wherein the amino acid sequence of each of the Fc domains consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 35. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 33, wherein the aqueous formulation comprises about 180 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist.
 36. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 33, wherein the aqueous formulation comprises 180 mg/mL of the FcRn antagonist.
 37. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 33, wherein the packaged pharmaceutical product is presented as a single-use vial, a multi-use vial, or a pre-filled syringe.
 38. The packaged pharmaceutical product according to claim 33, wherein the packaged pharmaceutical product is presented as a single-use vial. 